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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

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CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

I wasn't given
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(6)

I did not receive

I was not provided with

I was denied

I lacked

I was refused

I missed out on

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I wasn't given much detail.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I wasn't given any information.

News & Media

The Guardian

"I wasn't given anything," Solo told ESPN.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

I wasn't given anything and nobody contacted me.

News & Media

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When I wasn't given the chance to say it.

News & Media

The Guardian

"I wasn't given the opportunity [to apply]," she said.

News & Media

The Guardian

He added: "It was unfortunate I wasn't given more time to succeed".

News & Media

Independent

"Last year, I wasn't healthy, and I wasn't given the opportunity.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

(And on inequality: "I don't understand why I wasn't given a metal stand").

News & Media

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I wasn't giving up, by far.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

That's why I wasn't giving up".

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I wasn't given", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what was responsible for the lack of provision. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple passive voice constructions using "I wasn't given". Opt for active voice where possible to create more direct and engaging sentences.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I wasn't given" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (I) was the recipient of an action (giving) that did not occur. Ludwig confirms its frequent use in expressing a lack of provision or opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

Less common in

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I wasn't given" is a very common passive construction used to express a lack of provision or opportunity. As Ludwig shows, it appears frequently in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider active voice alternatives for more direct communication. By clearly indicating what was not provided and by whom, one can enhance the clarity and impact of their writing.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I did not receive

Formal alternative, emphasizing the lack of reception.

I was not provided with

Highlights the act of providing and its absence.

I didn't get

Informal and direct, suitable for casual contexts.

I was denied

Focuses on the act of refusal or withholding.

I lacked

Emphasizes a personal deficiency or absence.

I was refused

Highlights the act of actively rejecting a request.

I didn't have access to

Focuses on the inability to access something.

I wasn't granted

Emphasizes the lack of official permission or allowance.

I missed out on

Highlights a lost opportunity or benefit.

I was deprived of

Emphasizes the forcible removal or withholding of something.

FAQs

What does "I wasn't given" mean?

The phrase "I wasn't given" indicates that the speaker did not receive something, whether it be an object, information, or an opportunity. It expresses a lack of provision or bestowal.

What are some alternatives to "I wasn't given"?

Some alternatives include "I did not receive", "I was not provided with", or "I didn't get", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice instead of "I wasn't given"?

While "I wasn't given" is grammatically correct, using active voice can sometimes create a more direct and engaging sentence. For instance, instead of "I wasn't given the information", you could say "They didn't give me the information".

How can I use "I wasn't given" in a sentence?

You can use "I wasn't given" to express a lack of something. For example, "I wasn't given enough time to complete the task", or "I wasn't given any details about the project".

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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I wasn't givenGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

I wasn't given
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples